CSR AND THE RURAL ELECTRIFICATION CHALLENGE

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In the wake of rapid globalization and amid the mounting pressures of climate change, businesses are facing considerable responsibilities in the pursuit for global sustainability. Yet, sustainable development is not just about economic growth and environmental stewardship, but also social equity and, therefore, paths for growth and development need to be socially inclusive of even the poorest communities. One such issue is the increasing recognition of the billions of people who have no access to energy sources for their most basic needs, especially in rural, poor areas. This study explores the role CSR could play in achieving environmental and development goals today and the potential it has for the future – focusing specifically on the goal of using renewable energy for rural electrification in the least developed countries. Using first hand interviews with industry experts to support academic literature and policy report analysis, this dissertation argues that corporations are a necessary tool for achieving development goals such as universal energy access and as such CSR can serve as a bridge to new business opportunities in the developing world that are economically viable, environmentally sound and socially inclusive.